The Theodore Payne Foundation is pleased to present the final grant report for the “Climate-Ready Native Plant Landscaper Training'' project funded by LA2050. This initiative aimed to address the growing need for a knowledgeable landscaper workforce in Southern California, specifically trained in the cultivation and care of native plants. This transformative initiative, driven by the vision of preserving Southern California’s unique ecology, empowering landscape professionals, and fostering sustainable urban environments, has yielded remarkable outcomes. Through the California Native Plant Landscaper Certificate Program (CNPLC), a bilingual job-training endeavor, we have not only met but exceeded our goals, leaving a lasting impact on our community and the environment. This report details the achievements and ongoing commitment to building a resilient, water-conserving, and climate-friendly landscape industry in Los Angeles.

The grant-funded project focused on delivering a bilingual job training program for landscape professionals through the CNPLC. The four-week curriculum, developed and taught by leading native plant experts, comprises ten classes in a 20-hour training covering key components of native plant landscaping. The primary objectives were to empower landscape practitioners with the necessary tools and information to successfully maintain water-conserving, habitat-building gardens, thereby transforming urban landscapes in Los Angeles.

The vision for success with this program was to bring about significant and impactful changes to Southern California’s landscape. The program aimed to preserve the unique ecology of the region, reduce water consumption, minimize the use of chemicals and non-renewable resources, and elevate workers in the landscape industry. The ultimate goal was to transform neighborhoods into thriving habitats that support biodiversity, provide sustenance for pollinators, sequester carbon, and conserve water and other valuable resources.

The project successfully met its outlined goals, delivering training to ten cohorts from October 2022 to August 2023. Additional funding from LADWP and the U.S. Green Building Council further supported the initiative. During the grant period, a total of 558 applicants, including 454 English language and 104 Spanish language applicants, expressed interest in the program. We enrolled 274 students in CNPLC, with 96 students participating in five Spanish language courses and 178 students in five English language courses.

In addition, we offered advanced classes for students who have completed the CNPLC program to promote continued learning and connection within the native plant professional landscaping community. Two advanced courses (Advanced Plant ID and

Advanced Irrigation) were offered in English and Spanish to 20 students each, totaling 80 students.

The project facilitated the posting of 345 jobs on our Native Plant Landscape job board, connecting trained professionals with homeowners and site managers. Through 12 tabling events, we engaged with 3430 individuals, spreading awareness about CNPLC and the job board. Our organizational newsletters garnered 38,116 impressions of our professional landscaper trainings and the open job board for homeowners and site managers.

The success of the program was measured through post-program student surveys, capturing participant feedback. Consistent positive responses indicated that students found the program to be a solid foundation, expressing interest in continued learning and more in-depth instruction. In-person workshops received praise for their value to the learning process, with participants highlighting the perspective gained and inspiration to work with native plants. For example: “[the workshops] really put everything into perspective and inspired me to work with natives” and “I would have loved more in-person workshops!” We will consider this as we refine our courses, balancing experiential in-person learning with the flexibility that online class time offers working professionals. We received feedback that reflected the open discussion of participants with our experienced landscape professional instructors, which we intend for the program. For example, “one of [the instructor’s] strengths is making people feel comfortable participating in the space,” “I loved how she facilitated discussions and got people involved,” and “I appreciate the openness to feedback by all.”

Also, we worked in partnership with a group of BIPOC, female students from UCLA to research industry barriers Spanish-speaking landscapers encounter that render the adoption of native plant landscaping more challenging for them compared to their English speaking counterparts. From this, we welcomed insights into the Spanish-speaking landscaper community and received feedback on our course materials and online class portal. This feedback influenced improvements in course materials, the online class portal, and marketing strategies. Initiatives such as redesigning the program flyer, updating the website for better navigation, and creating supplemental materials focused on client relationships and best business practices are underway. In addition, marketing campaigns are being developed to bridge the gap between Spanish-speaking landscapers and their clients.

Our CNPLC courses received notable media coverage, including a Univision 34 feature, “Cultivando el Futuro.” LA Times included our CNPLC program in a feature on the work of accomplished, BIPOC gardener Stephen Reid: “They’ve never seen anything like this’: Their DIY garden is inspiring the block.” KTLA has featured our classes and workshops in interviews with reporter Gayle Anderson. As well, CNPLC graduate Francisco Ruiz and his native plant landscaping were featured in the California Save Our Water campaign, further amplifying the program’s impact.

The Theodore Payne Foundation is committed to expanding the program’s reach by continuing to offer training to landscapers throughout LA County. Partnerships with organizations and initiatives, particularly those connecting Spanish speakers with our program, are being forged to enhance marketing opportunities. The Foundation plans to extend CNPLC training to city organizations such as StreetsLA and LAUSD. Moreover, updates to the website and improvements in course accessibility and application processes are underway.

In conclusion, the Climate-Ready Native Plant Landscaper Training project, funded by LA2050, has been instrumental in realizing the vision of a climate-ready native plant landscaper workforce. The impact is tangible, with over 200 professional graduates of the CNPLC program and hundreds of job opportunities shared. The success of the CNPLC underscores the Theodore Payne Foundation’s commitment to ecological sustainability, community empowerment, and transformative landscape practices in Southern California. The impact of this project reverberates through the landscapes, livelihoods, and environmental consciousness of our community, positioning it as a model for sustainable change.